Number of possible E. Coli cases at a Bronx day care center rises

The number of possible cases of E. Coli at a Bronx day care center has climbed from 18 to 26 as the center remains closed.

The For Kids Only Day Care and Nursery has been closed since Thursday after three children were hospitalized with E.Coli. One other child, who did not attend the center, was also infected with E. Coli. Doctor Marguerite Mayers, who treated the kids at Montefiore Medical Center, says all of their conditions were serious but all were stabilized and released.

The center hired a private team to run tests in order to determine where the E. Coli bacteria came from. In addition, New York City Department of Health inspectors say the center will be thoroughly sterilized before kids can step foot back inside.

Experts say there is really no way to protect against E. Coli but add that proper hygiene can help. Health officials say parents should be on the lookout for symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea that becomes bloody, fever and irritability. They say the infection is caused by poor hand washing, handling of diapers and unsafe food preparation.

If the cleaning and inspection process goes smoothly, the center may open on Wednesday.